Helpful Hints to Sell Your House

Posted on Aug 8, 2012

 

Here are a few Helpful Hints to get your home ready to sell!

Exterior

•  Lawn:  The yard should be neatly mowed, raked and edged.
•  Trees/Shrubs:  Should be pruned and shaped to compliment the property.
•  Rocks in the xeriscape need to be neatly raked, blown free of debris & kept swept off the sidewalk.
•  Sidewalks/Driveways:  Should be swept and washed to remove debris, dirt and stains.  Cracks should be repaired and patched.
•  Painting:  Check the home for any needed maintenance just as a buyer would.  Repaint or touch up as necessary.  Don’t let the outside turn the buyers off before the inside turns them on.
•  Doors/Windows:  All doors and windows should be in a good working order.  Clean and paint doors if necessary, wash all windows and replace any broken or cracked window panes.  Screens should be free of any tears or holes.
•  Roofs/Gutters/Down spouts:  Check for loose or missing shingles.  Touch up peeling areas on gutters.

 

Interior

•  Atmosphere:  When placing yourself in the potential buyer’s shoes, you will want to consider the overall atmosphere of your home.  Keep color, lighting and smell in mind as you go through the home.  Create a comfortable home, a place that is safe and warm, and in good condition.
•  Smell:  A clean-smelling house creates a positive image in the buyer’s mind.  Be aware of any odors from cooking, cigarettes, pets, etc. that may have adverse effects on potential buyers.
• Lighting:  Take advantage of natural light as much as possible by cleaning windows, opening shades and draperies, etc.  Add lamps and lighting where necessary.  Be sure all fixtures are clean and have functioning bulbs.  Increase the wattage of the bulbs in the basement area and hallways.
• Floors:  Clean all wall-to-wall carpeting and area rugs.  Clean and polish linoleum, tile and wooden floors.    Consider finishing wooden floors if necessary.
• Closets:  Empty closets of off-season clothing and pack for the move.  Organize them to demonstrate the most efficient use of the space.  Leave as few items on the floor or shelves as possible.
• Furniture:  Arrange furniture to give the rooms as spacious a feeling as possible.  Consider removing furniture from rooms that are too crowded.  Store large furniture.  Avoid clutter.  Pack up knick-knacks – both to protect them and to give the room a more spacious feel if necessary leaving enough items to give the home a personal touch.  Dispose of unneeded items.
• Woodwork:  Clean and polish all of the woodwork.  Pay particular attention to the kitchen and bath cabinets.
• Clean the blinds & window sills.
• Bathrooms:  Cleanliness is the key!  Make sure that all surfaces are spotless!  Replace any worn or dirty shower curtains, clean and repair caulking, store all personal care products out of sight.  Repair any faucets that leak or do not function properly.  Clean off mineral deposits with vinegar or commercial products.  Clear off counter tops.  Clean and organize cabinet and drawers.  Shampoo throw rugs.  Consider bringing out your best soaps and towels.
• Fireplace:  Sweep and clean the fireplace.  Place a few logs on the great to create an attractive appearance.  You are welcome to have a fire going during showings – it creates great atmosphere.
• Appliances/Light Fixtures:  Clean, bright, sparkling and shiny!!
• Dining room:  Consider adding fresh silk flowers or setting the table with an attractive arrangement.
• Kitchen:  Avoid clutter.  Clear off countertops.  Store small appliances whenever possible to maximize the appearance of work spaces.  Sinks, cabinets, appliances and counter tops should be clean and fresh.
• Basement/Attic:  The basement and attic should be cleaned and organized.  Be sure that the stairs are cleared, well-lighted and that the handrail is secure.  Remove and dispose of any items that will not be moved with you.  Pack other items neatly in boxes.
• Garage:  Sweep and wash the floor to remove dirt and stains.  Organize tools, garden equipment, bicycles, etc.

 

Items not included in the sale: Remove (and replace if applicable) any items that will not be included in the sale of the property such as light fixtures and window coverings.